NEWSLETTER
There's nothing like biting into a juicy, perfectly grilled burger with just the right combination of toppings. We rounded up some of the best places across New York State to get your fix of this national treasure. Warning: reading this blog post will definitely make you crave a burger.
Originally published 5/25/18
Updated 8/27/24
Druthers Brewing, (Capital-Saratoga)
Credit: @druthersbrewing on Instagram
With locations in Albany, Clifton Park, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs,Druthers is satisfying appetites all over the Capital region. The standard menu offers their signature burger, a wagyu blend, double patties, double American cheese, pickles, crispy onions, and burger sauce, or you can opt for the veggie burger, a house-made black bean/quinoa veggie patty, greens, tomato, red onion, and burger sauce. The menu changes seasonally and if you’re lucky you’ll get to experience the"Peanut Butter Burger", a mouthwatering creation that features bacon and house-made peanut butter. The Saratoga Springs location sits on historic Broadway, while the Schenectady brewpub features an outdoor beer garden overlooking the Mohawk Harbor waterfront.
Marble + Rye, (Greater Niagara)
Credit: Courtesy of Marble + Rye
Buffalo might be famous for their wings, but they’re certainly not skimping on the burgers either. Head to Marble + Rye, a trendy bar and lounge for the best burger in western New York. Their scratch-made double cheeseburger is made with two grass-fed smash patties, American cheese, red onion, mayo, mustard, all on a brioche bun with crispy potatoes, pickles, chimichurri and crème fraîche. They work closely with local farms to make sure ingredients are fresh and seasonal. Pair your burger with one of their expertly crafted cocktails (or mocktails). Marble + Rye is also within walking distance to Shea’s Buffalo if you’ve got time to catch a show!
Livingood’s Restaurant & Brewery (Adirondacks)
Credit: Courtesy of Livingood's Restaurant & Brewery
Livingood's burgers are sinfully good. Be sure to try the LG BBQ Burger for a perfect patty covered in sharp cheddar, fried onion petals, bacon, and Livingood's BBQ sauce, served on a shapely brioche bun. Other burger options include a bacon blue cheese burger, mushroom swiss burger, and pulled pork burger. This kid-friendly restaurant is near activities that the whole family is sure to love, like tubing, climbing, and biking at the Ausable Chasm (AKA the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks) and berry-picking at Rulf’s Orchard.
Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, Herkimer (Central NY)
Your kids (and inner kid) may giggle at the concept of a burger called the “Loose Caboose” at a place called Crazy Otto’s, but this burger is no joke. Grab a booth at this family-oriented 1950’s style greasy spoon and ask for an extra napkin or two because things could get messy. Honored as the best burger in the region, the “Loose Caboose” is topped with thinly sliced prime rib, cheddar and jack cheese, a fried egg, 1000 Island dressing, and mayo. Whether you’re in town digging for treasure at Herkimer Diamond Mines or just passing through (the diner is three minutes off the NYS Thruway), this is an experience you simply cannot miss.
Blazer Pub, Purdys (Hudson Valley)
Credit: Courtesy of Blazer Pub
The Blazer’s extra thick, juicy burgers have topping combos like bacon and cheese that bring it back to the basics—good, simple food cooked well. Run by the same family since 1971, this old-school family-friendly pub features throwbacks like Yankees memorabilia, arcade games, and a jukebox. Tip: bring cash as credit cards are not accepted.
Meyer’s Olde Dutch (Hudson Valley)
MOD is serving up handmade, locally-sourced beef and cheese, and scratch-made sauces, too! Double the flavorful fun when you order the Double Dutch, two 1/4 lb. beef patties, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and fry sauce. Or try the Chili Burger, 1/4 beef patty, beef chili, and topped with coleslaw. Check out their location in Beacon, or the other location in Poughkeepsie, where nearby you can take a leisurely stroll on the Walkway Over the Hudson.
The Wine Bar at Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Skaneateles (Finger Lakes)
Credit: Courtesy of Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Featuring an 8 oz certified angus beefpatty, topped with portobello mushroom, gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and bordelaise sauce on a house-made brioche bun and paired with hand-cut truffle-parmesan fries, the “Mirbeau Burger” is one fancy burger in one fancy location. The Mirbeau Inn & Spa is one of New York’s most lovely resorts, so treat yourself to fine dining at The Bistro and then alongside a spa day.
Ale 'n' Angus Pub, Syracuse (Finger Lakes)
Credit: Courtesy of Ale 'n' Angus Pub
Taste 2023’s “Best Burger in New York State”, the “Number 7”, a ½ pound angus burger topped with pecan smoked shoulder bacon, Ale N Angus burger sauce, American and pepper jack cheese, served on an inverted buttery croissant roll. Or opt for “The Power Play Burger” a meaty crowd-pleaser that features a juicy ½-poundAngus patty topped with strips of slow-cooked prime rib, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato served on a grilled kaiser roll, voted “Best Burger in New York State” in 2012, 2013, and 2018. Diners praise the family-friendly pub’s cozy, casual vibe, and excellent service.
Kings of Kobe (New York City)
Credit: @kingsofkobe on Instagram
You don’t have to go to Japan to get excellent wagyu (Japanese beef)! Well worth the trip to the west end of 42nd Street, Kings of Kobe serves up creative burgers made from perfectly marbled American wagyu. Try a house special like the Duke of Lux (pictured), which piles on smoked gouda, caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon, and chipotle mayo for a burst of flavor, or get creative and build your own burger with your choice of cheese, sauces, and toppings.